Electrolytes: When to Take Them & How to Track Them

What is Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge in body fluids. They include sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphate and bicarbonate, and they help balance body water, support muscle and nerve function and keep the heart working. Electrolyte drinks, powders and tablets are used to replace fluid and minerals after heavy sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. Because many contain potassium and sodium, they can matter for people with kidney disease or on certain blood pressure medicines. Tracking helps you see how often you use them.

When to take Electrolytes: general timing information

• Electrolyte levels can shift with vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, not drinking enough, drinking too much water, kidney disease and certain medicines. [1]

• Some blood pressure medicines (ACE inhibitors, ARBs and potassium-sparing diuretics) can raise potassium, so check with your doctor before using potassium-containing products. [2]

• High intakes of magnesium from supplements can cause diarrhea, so count the magnesium in electrolyte products. [3]

How to set a Electrolytes reminder in Pillzy

1. 1

   Tap + in Pillzy and add your electrolyte product with the serving on the label.

2. 2

   Choose custom days for training days, or Once daily if your doctor suggested it.

3. 3

   Set the time around your exercise or the times your clinician gave you during an illness.

4. 4

   If you have kidney disease or take blood pressure medicine, add a note to confirm the product with your doctor.

5. 5

   Mark each serving taken so you can see how often you use them.